Team of the week 23/01/12

23 January 2012 12:04

This weekends Premier League fixtures threw up two games that would could be vital to deciding the destination of the Title this season.

With London facing Manchester twice in one afternoon, Manchester City had to the chance to extend their lead at the top against Tottenham, while Arsenal would take on old rivals Manchester United.

Here is the Football.co.uk Premier League team of the week.

Position : Goalkeeper Ben Foster (West Brom)After Stoke were awarded a dubious penalty, it was Ben Foster's job to step up to the plate and save his West Brom team mates from conceding an equaliser. The England keeper was in fine form and had to be, in order to keep his side in the game. A string of fine saves as well as the penalty stop ensured a 2-1 victory for the Baggies.

Position: DefenderDavid Wheater (Bolton Wanderers)With Gary Cahill finally completing his move to Chelsea, Wheater is the man responsible for filling his shoes. Thrown in against Liverpool, the former Middlesbrough centre back kept goal-hungry Andy Carroll quiet and helped his side record a first win over Liverpool in five seasons.

Position: DefenderJonas Olsson (West Brom)It was not just West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster who earned praise following the 2-1 victory away at Stoke. Swedish defender Olsson marshalled the Baggies back-four and played his part in the win with some superb defending.

Position: DefenderPatrice Evra (Manchester United)United captain Patrice Evra was once against dominant down the left hand flank against Arsenal. Showing exactly what Arsenal lack in the very same position, Evra spent more time in the oppositions half then his own and was a constant threat to the North London side.Position: MidfielderAntonio Valencia (Manchester United)A brilliant header from the Colombian had put United 1-0 up and he was again involved in the winner by supplying a great assist. His consistent and dependable performances this season have been vital to United's attacking displays.

Position: MidfielderMark Davies (Bolton Wanderers)Creative midfielder Mark Davies put Bolton 1-0 up after just four minutes in the shock win over Liverpool. The former Wolves man displayed a calm and assured performance in midfield and made things difficult for Liverpool throughout the game.

Position: MidfielderJames Milner (Manchester City)With Toure leaving City in order to play for Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, James Milner has found himself dropping back to a deeper role in the centre of City's midfield. His unselfish nature brings out the best in his more skilful team-mates and he was the unsung hero for Manchester City against Spurs.

Position: MidfielderAkos Buzsaky (Queens Park Rangers)A stunning free-kick from Hungarian play-maker Buzsaky put QPR two up against Wigan and helped move them out of the bottom three. Often described by Rangers fans as 'The White Pele', Buzsaky is finally getting the chance to showcase his technical ability in the top flight.

Position: MidfielderGareth Bale (Tottenham)The Welsh winger can do no wrong at the moment. A brilliant strike from Bale had brought the game back to 2-2 after Spurs went 2-0 down against City. It was his 7th Premier League strike of the campaign making it his most successful season so far.

Position: ForwardRobbie Keane (Aston Villa)After an extremely poor spell at West Ham last season, Keane moved to LA Galaxy in the summer with most fans thinking he was finished as a top flight player. He returned to the Premier League after signing a short term loan deal with Villa and scored two goals against his former club, Wolves.

Position: ForwardClint Dempsey (Fulham)Another hat-trick for the in-form American forward, this time against Newcastle. His clinical display in front of goal helped Fulham to an astonishing 5-2 win over Newcastle and also moved Fulham up to 12th place in the League.